Favorite speculative fiction of 2011

(These are books that I read in 2011, but were not necessarily released in 2011.)

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah E. HarknessFrom my review: “I know I’m gushing, but I don’t know how else to get across how much I adored this book. It has so many of my favorite things: an academic setting; the study of history; elements of the paranormal; spine-tingling creepiness in parts; descriptions of wine that had my mouth watering; a plot that kept me turning page after page long after I should be doing something else; and, of course, a delicious, ages-enduring romance. Bottom line: read this book.”

Who Fears Death by Nnedi OkoraforFrom my review: “Onye’s story is a story of magic, of love, of being a woman. it’s the story of a mother’s amazing love for a daughter conceived in the most horrific circumstances; the story of true love that surpasses all; of finding and fulfilling one’s destiny in the face of insurmountable odds. Through Onye’s story, the author deals with racism, prejudice, and sexual discrimination. Onye is an amazingly strong young woman, full of passion for her world and a desire to stop the horrors being committed in the name of a religion that feeds prejudice and hatred.”

To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie WillisFrom my review: “Reading To Say Nothing of the Dog was the most literary fun I’ve had in a long time. If you haven’t already given Willis a try, what on earth are you waiting for?”

Blackout by Connie WillisAll Clear by Connie Willis
I didn’t review these, because I read them as part of a read-along and so all my thoughts were on the read-along posts. These are brilliant – and must be read back-to-back. A perfect combination of science fiction and historical fiction. Connie Willis is my hero.